Where the Fur Flies

Human-Animal bonds. Americans love their pets! Just look at all the books written on this subject. Every month there are one or two new titles. This bond is mutually beneficial to our health and well-being. It has existed for thousands of years. In addition to the health benefits, animals actively assist us in many other ways. An unspoken, deeply felt bond is created between animals and people!

The following books are just a few of the many wonderful stories where animals of all types have made our lives richer and fuller. This bond is so good for both species!

Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale or How I Learned About Life and Love with a Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper. Once in a lifetime story of an extraordinary cat and his human companion. This story about love and hope is funny and moving for anyone who has fallen in love with an animal with a disability. A must read!

An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Jeff Guidry. The moment Jeff saw the baby eagle with broken wings, his life was changed. "Freedom" couldn't fly but she had Jeff. A very moving story.

Hachi: a Dog's Tale. DVD. Based on a true story from Japan, it is inspirational and heartwarming. I loved this movie!

Angel by My Side: The True Story of a Dog Who Saved a Man and a Man Who Saved a Dog by Mike Lingenfelter. This is about Mike and his rescue golden retriever. When two serious heart attacks and open heart surgery threaten to take away most of Mike's reason for living, Dakota, an extraordinary service dog, is by his side to help him gain his independance. Dakota was '1999 Service Dog of the Year' by Delta Society and was chosen as 'Humanitarian of the Year' by the National Sertoma Club of Dallas. Dakota was the first non-human recipient in history for this award.

Why We Ride: Women Writers on the Horses in Their Lives. Horses are chosen for their beauty, ability, trust, and friendship. They teach us something about becoming stronger, better people. Based on this trust, this is truly a symbiotic relationship. A great book for both horse owners and horse lovers.

Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl by Stacey O'Brien. I loved this book. The author captured the essence of the soul of Wesley. It is funny, fascinating and powerful. A must read about selfless devotion.

Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa. Touching! A must read for cat lovers or anyone with compassion for humans in a medical setting. This story proves there are no ordinary cats!

For more books about the human-animal bond, check out the November 2010 display by the large print books.

The Green Spot

The Green Spot has a new look! Thanks to our staff teens, decorative pumpkins line the top shelf. Also featured, courtesy of the Long Island Farm Bureau, is a display of local farm stands. Pick up a brochure, "Long Island's Bounty Brought to You by Long Island Farm Bureau," for a list of farm stands in your area where you can go pumpkin picking and more.

Then get into the spirit of the season by picking up a good book. Our "Fall Into a Good Book" display, near the Adult Reference Desk, features some of the best autumn activities. Andrea Chesman's Serving Up the Harvest, an innovative cookbook organized seasonally, celebrates the unique flavors of fresh-from-the- garden vegetables with more than 175 recipes.

For those who prefer celebrating the harvest outside, try Fall Scaping: Extending Your Garden Season Into Autumn by Nancy J. Ondra and Stephanie Cohen with photography by Rob Cardillo. This beautifully illustrated book describes dozens of plants that can bring life to a late season garden. It covers a wide range of growing conditions and color schemes.

Last but not least, here's a little something for the party animal's among us. The Halloween Handbook: 447 Costumes by Bridie Clark and Ashley Dodd is a one of a kind dress-up for grown-ups book. The authors suggest ways of assembling hundreds of classic and original Halloween customes from everyday objects. Combined with holiday lore, party ideas, and seasonal amusements, it's wicked fun!